The UK has introduced an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) permit for European visitors, priced at £10, rising to £16 from April 9. The ETA aims to enhance security and expedite entry procedures with background checks and faster border crossings. Valid for two years, the system initially applies to approximately 30 countries, excluding Ireland.
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A Myanmar ethnic minority armed group is preparing to hand a captured city back to the military in a Beijing-brokered deal, China's foreign ministry said Tuesday, as residents reported junta troops already returning. But Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told reporters the MNDAA is set to relinquish the city to the military without firing a shot.
Tropical Cyclone Alfred weakened to a tropical low as it approached Brisbane, bringing flooding rains. Significant damage resulted in over 330,000 power outages and major beach erosion at Gold Coast. A man is missing after being swept away in New South Wales, while many were rescued from floodwaters. Officials are relieved the cyclone didn't worsen at high tide.
President Donald Trump is expected to find a middle ground on the recently imposed 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico. US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick indicated that negotiations are ongoing. The tariff measures have raised fears of a trade conflict, with both nations warning of possible retaliatory actions.
Sweden's government announced a 300 million kronor investment in school security measures, following the country's deadly mass shooting in Orebro. Incidents of threats and violence in schools have surged by 150 percent over the past decade. Proposed measures include security cameras, checkpoints, and emergency plan requirements.
The European court of human rights (ECHR) on Tuesday condemned Russia for violating the free speech rights of a group of nationals running websites supporting and advising LGBTQ people. The verdict came after six Russian nationals who were accused in Russia of "promoting homosexuality among minors" turned to the ECHR after being found guilty of administrative offences and having access to their websites, webpages and online groups blocked.
The US government faces a potential shutdown if the Senate does not pass the continuing resolution for funding by Friday night. Senate Democrats oppose the bill, fearing it grants President Trump excessive control over spending. A shutdown could furlough federal employees and leave contractors unpaid, though mandatory programs like Social Security would continue.
The United States has been added to the Civicus Monitor Watchlist due to alleged declines in civic freedoms under the Trump administration. This inclusion highlights issues such as restrictions on pro-Palestinian demonstrations, media access control, and disrupted international cooperation, which challenge democratic principles.
A Utah man, dissatisfied with a recently purchased Subaru Outback and denied a refund by Tim Dahle Mazda due to their "as-is" policy, drove the vehicle through the dealership's showroom. He was arrested for felony criminal mischief and reckless endangerment after causing substantial damage, though no injuries were reported.
41-year-old Jeffrey Goedde confessed to fatally stabbing his 75-year-old father, Edward Goedde Jr., approximately 50 times in their Missouri home. He surrendered to Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, claiming it was an accident. Police discovered the victim with multiple stab wounds, broken bones, and signs of strangulation. Goedde is charged with first-degree murder and is being held without bond.
Argentina's President, Javier Milei, endorsed the cryptocurrency $LIBRA, causing its value to spike before sharply plummeting amid scam fears. Milei later retracted his support, stating he was uninformed about the project. Political opponents criticized the promotion, calling it unprecedented and harmful to investors, while investigations into potential misconduct were launched.